Update To Government Shutdown Plans

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Well, I am speechless.  Nearly.  There are a few bad words that come to mind.

I've just read a draft of a report detailing the planning for a possible government shutdown, and it states that military pay would be held up until the situation is resolved.  This is in direct conflict with the previous information that was being disseminated.  I'm torn:  do I believe the new report, or do I think that someone has lost their mind?  Personally, I'm going to plan for the worst and hope for the best.  This could result in a lot of hardships for military families around the world.  And, don't forget, it does not seem as if this is an official document, but just a draft.

This report also says that military commissaries might close, but they may stay open.  That is super helpful for planning, huh?

Other services that may be affected include:


  • Child Development Centers will remain open

  • Gyms and dining facilities will remain open

  • Medical and dental will remain open, but some elective procedures may be postponed

  • Recruiting will continue, and new troops will continue to be processed and go to basic training

  • Military exchanges should remain open


The current continuing resolution is set to expire on 17 March 2011.  There is a bill in the House of Representatives to further extend government funding without passing a budget. The House and Senate have agreed on a bill to fund the government for an extra three weeks, and it will go to vote early next week.

Update 3/14/2011: Apparently last's week anticipated agreement to an additional continuing resolution may have been a bit premature. It seems possible that a continuing resolution will not be passed. I'm not exactly sure how to word it so that I can be adequately vague, but it is anyone's guess at this point.

Update 3/16/2011:  The continuing resolution did pass the House yesterday.  It must pass the Senate and be signed by the President in order to become a law.  Most political analysts are anticipating that the resolution will be complete before the current continuing resolution expires, but there are a few people who think there is a chance that the Senate might not pass the bill.  Again, we wait and see.

Update 3/17/2011:  The continuing resolution has passed the Senate.  It must be signed by the President in order to become law.  This new temporary spending bill will expire on 8 April 2011.

Update 3/18/2011:  The president has signed the continuing resolution and it is now law.

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